Ticks & lyme disease

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In 2009 there were 144 cases of lyme disease in Canada. In 2013 there were 682 cases. Not all ticks are carriers but in certain areas, the percentage is high.  Black legged ticks are becoming increasingly common in Ontario and more of them are carrying bacteria called borrelia burgdorferi, which causes lyme disease.

Symptoms can include a bullseye mark on the skin, and general unwellness. Left untreated lyme disease can escalate severely, so early detection is good and prevention is even better. If you’re in a grassy or wooded area, wear long pants and sleeves and use bug repellent with deet, especially if you visit a location Health Canada has deemed endemic for lyme disease. Point Pelee, Rondeau Provincial Park, Turkey Point and Long Point, Wainfleet Bog, Prince Edward Point and the Thousand Islands are all lyme hot spots.

If a tick is removed within 24 hours of attaching to a host, the chance of lyme disease being transmitted is very low. If you find on a person, as opposed to a pet, you can submit it to your local public health department for testing.

For more information on testing visit:

halton.ca/cms/one.aspx?portalId=8310&pageId=9683

niagararegion.ca/living/health_wellness/disease-prevent/lyme-disease.aspx

hamilton.ca/public-health/health-topics/lyme-disease-ticks